Arthur speaks out over dismissal

Former Australia coach Mickey Arthur lamented a "deliberate campaign" against him, as he pursues legal action over his dismissal.

Arthur was sacked last month and replaced by Darren Lehmann little more than two weeks before the start of this summer's Ashes, after Australia were eliminated in the group stages of the Champions Trophy.

Australia's tour got off to the rockiest of starts when opener David Warner was suspended for landing a punch on England batsman Joe Root in a Birmingham bar after losing to the hosts in the Champions Trophy.

Warner was missing for last week's first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, a thrilling match England won by just 14 runs, and he has since been sent for match practice on Australia A's tour of Zimbabwe.

Arthur, meanwhile, inadvertently caused more disruption two days before the start of the second Test at Lord's - where Australia are struggling badly after an unbeaten century from Root - when leaked legal documents included his claims of racial discrimination against him by his ex-employers and that captain Michael Clarke and senior all-rounder Shane Watson are at loggerheads.

In a statement issued by Arthur at Perth airport, he sought to clarify his position as he seeks a fair resolution with Cricket Australia.

"I was truly shocked and devastated by my dismissal," he said. "I had received a positive appraisal on all my key performance indicators just prior to departing for the Champions Trophy.

"I am told that David Warner's conduct was the last straw for the board. I received no hearing at all over that issue, and no one was doing more to improve discipline in this young Australian cricket team than I was.

"In spite what has been a deliberate campaign against me in the past days, I am still willing to resolve this dispute on a fair and just basis."

Arthur also reiterated that the publication of last week's documents had nothing to do with him.

"It's very unfortunate that my private dispute with Cricket Australia was made public by others," he added.

"Due to the sensitive matters involved, I have taken extensive steps in co-operation with the Fair Workers Commission to keep my case entirely confidential.

"Selective leaks by others have ruined my attempts to protect the Australian cricket team and everyone involved. As I've said, no one associated with me has played any part in releasing the confidential document."

He is, however, disappointed at a lack of communication since he lost his job.

Arthur continued: "After my dismissal, I received nothing in writing from Cricket Australia - no contact and no payment at all, even on my basic leave pay, until I was forced to bring in lawyers to assist in the process.

"I tried on a number of occasions to make direct contact with Cricket Australia at a very senior level for days, but I didn't get a response. I was really trying for a private resolution that would have not have any collateral damage to the reputation of any of us - the Australian team, Australia Cricket or myself.

"I thought, perhaps naively, that under all the circumstances of my dismissal, Cricket Australia would be willing to have sensible and good-faith talks in private. Sadly this hasn't happened, and here we are."

Arthur is concerned, especially, that the events of the past month will make it more difficult for him to find appropriate future employment.

The 45-year-old, who has also coached his native country with distinction, added: "I never wanted to launch legal action, but Cricket Australia simply left me no option.

"(Cricket Australia chief executive) James Sutherland himself said that, to an extent, I had been made, quote: 'a scapegoat'.

"I find that a totally unfair basis to end my career. The damage to my reputation and career has been immense, which means the chances of me getting a senior job are that much less. I do hope that the conciliation talks at the Fair Work Commission on Wednesday will be productive and I will certainly be doing my part.

"To conclude, I just want to wish the Australian cricket team the best of luck and hope they can bounce back after a disappointing day yesterday and still bring the Ashes home. I truly have a lot of good relations there and I'd really like to keep it that way."